SIX MONTHS of SUCCESS !!!

WOW. 6 Months. That's a long time. Think of all things that change during the course of 6 months. That's half a year folks. That's 183 days! First off, thanks everyone who has followed this journey of mine, and given me support and encouragement along the way. This has been a major lifestyle change for me, and so many things have changed for the better! 


As of 7/20/11:

1. I weighed 294 Pounds and was up to as high as 300 I'm sure
2. Could not do any kind of sustained running or high intensity exercise
3. Squeezing in most of my XXL and some XXXL shirts and shorts
4. Needed a size 18 or 18 1/2 dress shirt
5. Needed about 44-46 inches in my pants size
6. Had a wedding ring that fit like a tourniquet 
7. Was eating around 2500 - 3500 calories a day. At least.
8. Exercised about once or twice a week. Maybe

As of 1/20/12:

1. I weigh 253 Pounds - A LOSS OF 41 POUNDS! 
2. Run a 5k (3.1 miles) at least 3 times a week, and run 4-5 miles at least once a week
3. Have plenty of room to spare in a size XL.
4. Can fit comfortably in my old size 17 dress shirts
5. Have thrown out lots of old shorts and pants. Now wear a size 40 waist, and most of my size 40 stuff is getting way too big
6. My wedding ring falls off almost every time I wash my hands. I have to take it off when I run or it falls off 
7. I eat between 1500 - 2000 calories a day. I burn about 600-900 every time I exercise
8. Exercise 5-6 days a week. ALWAYS

Those are just some of the changes that have happened. This truly is a lifestyle change. I have new eating habits, new exercise habits, and new planning habits. 

I thought it'd be cool to look back at some of my posts over the last 6 months so you can see some of the picture progress throughout.  So here we go ... 

"I am overweight. I have been very complacent about it. Mainly because I don't always look the part and I can't think of many things I've missed out on because of it. (At least I used to think so)  But let's face it, it's a slippery slope and over the past few years I have not been going in the right direction. I've recently faced the facts that you don't get smaller as you get older lol, so now is the time." -- Posted 7/20/12 - Total Weight 294 Pounds

"I actually saw an even lower total a couple of days ago at 282.8. I know things flex up and down though. Part of what I've been reading has been telling me that as you start increasing the intensity of your workout, then you actually add on muscle which weighs a bit more than fat. So this can result in a slow down or brief up-tick in weight, but it makes your body burn fat and calories much more quickly. " Posted 8/24/11- Total Weight 283.2

"I know I have a long way to go still, but I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to be in rhythm with this lifestyle change and being able to both see and FEEL the difference." - Posted 9/14/11 -Total Weight 275.8 Pounds 

"Giving shorts and pants away that are much too big and buying new pants :-). As the theme of this blog suggests, I used to HATE buying myself pants. So did everyone else. Now I look forward to seeing what size I can get. " - Posted 11/20/11- Total Weight 259 Pounds 

One Last before picture (featuring a plank by Patrick) ... 

TODAY!!!! 

And from the side ... (just for you Aunt Patti lol)

Moving Forward ... 

Here are my goals for the next 6 months: 

1. Pick up my intensity with working out and nutrition. I've noticed that I don't lose weight at quite the same pace now that I've dropped 40 pounds. 
2. Lose another 35-40 pounds. I'd love to see a number between 200-215 on the scale
3. Get my 5k time down to 30 minutes
4. Run a 10k and a 15k

Once again thank you to every single person who's supported me through this journey. I have had major ups and major downs. There are days when I didn't eat right, and there are days where I had incredible success in this lifestyle change. If the past 6 months have shown me anything, it is that ANYTHING is possible if you are willing to have a plan, stick to it, and work hard. 

“If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals.” ~Brian Tracy

“You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change.” ~Les Brown

Weigh-In Wednesday Week 14!!!

14 Weeks Completed 

98 Days Down 

Starting Weight -- 294

Week 13 Weight -- 267.5

Today's weight -- 2-6-5.8! So that's another 1.7 pounds down!

Total Weight Loss to date = 28.2 pounds !!!




One of my big goals I had when I started out, was to have lost 30 pounds by the end of October. With just 1.8 pounds to go to reach this goal, and 5 days left in the month, I think I can do it. Anyways, my parents just got into town tonight and we are going with my sister and bro-in-law and their kids to Orlando for a nice long weekend.  I still got my late workout in tonight though, and I wanted to get this posted so I could make my Wednesday deadline. 


Before Pic... This is from December, 2010 when Jaimie and I went to see Wicked together. 

After Pic - Front 

And from the Side .. 

Sorry for not updating this more often lately. I have some other posts I want to finish and put up this week so stay tuned. I'll have another from our Orlando adventures coming up this weekend. 

It's a busy time of year, and with that comes more and more opportunities to hit major roadblocks. I've definitely had to pick my battles. For the most part I've been able to enjoy myself, while making sacrifices in other places. I'm glad I'm still on the downward trend, and I can't wait till I start closing in on the 50's .

It's getting late, so that's all for tonight. More to come soon...I promise.

Thanks for all of your support!!! 

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” ~Margaret Thatcher

END OF MONTH #2 --- Weigh-In Report

Welcome to weigh-in Wednesday Week EIGHT. I have officially completed TWO full months of this lifestyle change and I feel great! 


That's 56 days completed. 


Starting Weight -- 294


Week 7 Weight -- 279


Today's weight -- 2-7-5.8! So that's another 3.2 pounds down this week.

Total Weight Loss to date = 18.2 pounds !!!


Before Pic

After 8 Weeks 

And from the side

Sweeeeeet. Success! Well, at least steps in the right direction :-)


I know I have a long way to go still, but I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to be in rhythm with this lifestyle change and being able to both see and FEEL the difference. 


The response and support I've been getting from everyone is just incredible. Family,  Friends, Church Friends, Youth Group Kids, Etc.  You guys keep me going. Thanks for asking me when you see me how things are going. I must have had 10 people ask me at church tonight how this week's weigh-in is going to go lol. 
Thanks Uncle Tom Bowen for this message, " Hey Phil...my friend if you can loose 15...you can loose another 15!!!!!!!!! It's kinda like one down and one to go.... Keep pushing through......a good brisk walk every day will help your body get over this little plateau !!!!! Man, this could be the toughest battle any of us face. Seems like EVERYTHING is built around food. Conquer this and I'm convinced you can conquer anything."
Just one of many encouraging thoughts from this past week from friends and family.


Also, it's been great to hear stories of people being inspired by the journey I've been taking
Here's a shout out to one special relative who said she's lost SEVEN pounds already! Congrats :-) I love you and hope you can keep it going ! 


Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'm wanting to just keep this going strong and make a lifelong change. 


In other news:
I've had a pretty busy schedule, and it's becoming more routine for me to plan things so I can control the outcome when it comes to food etc. 


Exercising is becoming the same way. I've mixed in biking , running, martial arts, swimming, walking, and strength training. I try and keep it fresh and not do the same thing too much and too often. This helps me not get too bored and keep my eyes on the prize.


I'll do another post later this week on those things.


This week I just wanted to keep it focused on this end of Month # 2 Weight Report. Thanks again everyone, and I hope you're enjoying this as much as I have been. Special thanks to my wife Jaimie for her help at home, and to my parents and siblings for their moral support over the phone and in person :-). 


See you soon... 


“Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Weigh-In Wednesday ... Week 6 !!!

Yesssssssssssir, it's Weigh-In Wednesday Week 6! 


That's 6 Weeks .... 42 Days. 


My big goal this week was to see a 7 on the scale this week. I came pretty darn close. This is kind of a weird angle picture lol , but it will do. 

Week 5 Weight -- 283.2
Today's weight -- 2-8-0 !So that's another 3.2  pounds down this week.

Total Weight Loss to date = 14 pounds




I actually saw a weight as low as 279.8 this week, but I'll settle for 280 since that's what I got today :-)


It's been a great week. I'm really enjoying biking and it's helping me keep my workout routine fresh. 


It's all in your head ... 
I've noticed that almost everyone gets really excited when I tell them what I'm doing or show them the blog. However, I've also found it amusing when people kind of give me that sarcastic "ohhhhh that's great , but I know you'll never stick with it" look. I even had someone tell me "Don't be surprised if all of the sudden you just can't lose weight anymore, some people are just meant to be big."  LOL. Nice. Keep it up. I like the challenge. 


That is what has made this such an exciting 6 weeks. I've had alot of moments early on where I doubted myself because of past results...It's all in your head... keep going
And now this week I've thought of several occasions where it was much easier for me to pass up something I know I shouldn't have...Stay focused ... keep going. 


Thanks to every single person out there supporting me. I love all the continued messages. Also,  welcome to all you new readers that are just seeing the blog for the first time.  


Family Matters... 
Dad, this blog is dedicated to you this week. Thanks for this awesome encouraging email! Since you couldn't figure out how to post it online, I'll help ...  You also get to be the quote of the day. 


"Haven't figured out how to select a profile to comment on your blog. So I'll use email.

You have always had great determination and effort to succeed when you set a goal. I remember a guy with a goal to be a starter on bball team when the raw talent was not as good as some others. But his determination and will translated into dedicated effort. I can still hear the early morning sound of a bball bouncing on the driveway pavement and hitting the backboard while I was still in bed. This occurred morning after morning, week after week, as he got up early and practiced before he went to school.

This guy did indeed become a starter on the bball team. Not only a starter, but one of the best 3 point shooters on the team. He also became one of the best rebounders even though he was routinely matched against much taller players. Rebounding, more than any other aspect of bball, is characterized by sheer determination and effort.

I now see this same guy undertaking an even bigger challenge. I also see this same determination and effort ramped up to meet the challenge. In other words, I see a repeat performance with a certain repeat success. But this time with even greater, life changing results.

Keep It Up!!  The results are already looking good!!

DAD"